EU strengthens defense shield: leaders agree on new strategic course
Against this backdrop, and taking into account the decisions of the NATO summit held in The Hague at the end of June, the heads of the European Union approved updated conclusions on security and defense. These documents define an ambitious vector for European security, committing member states to strengthen their defense capabilities over the next five years. According to the conclusions adopted during the European Council on June 26, the main goal is to make significant efforts to increase spending on the military and security sectors. The strategy provides for an increase in defense funding by member states, which should be a powerful impetus for the implementation of the plan to transform the European Union into a more responsible and self-sufficient player on the world stage. As follows from the published documents, the key point is the creation of defense infrastructure, modernization of the armed forces and strengthening of joint military training. This is necessary not only to ensure the collective security of the EU, but also to respond to the challenges of our time: the growing military activity of Russia and its aggression against Ukraine, which has become not only a geopolitical challenge for Europe, but also a global crisis. The conclusions emphasize that the aggressive policy of the Russian Federation and its military activity have directly affected the security situation in the region and the world as a whole. This becomes an occasion for more decisive measures to modernize the EU's defense potential in order to ensure its ability to respond quickly and deter potential threats. Another important component of this strategic concept is a plan for distributing resources and efforts in accordance with modern challenges. The plans provide for increased cooperation between member states in the military sphere, increased joint exercises and the exchange of intelligence. This should contribute to increasing defense capabilities and at the same time reduce dependence on external state structures. Overall, the decisions taken are a signal for decisive action regarding our own security in a context where the geopolitical situation in Europe and the world is causing a constant shift in the balance of power and new challenges to stability. The leaders of the European Union are laying the foundation for creating a more self-sufficient and confident bloc, capable of responding to modern threats and ensuring the long-term security of its citizens and country.